Office of Outdoor Events

Any outdoor gathering on public or private property that attracts more than 500 attendees, requires a street to be closed, sells food or beverages, or uses tents, stages, bleachers, fireworks, open flames or portable toilets require a City permit effective Oct. 1, 2010. The rules also apply to parades, neighborhood events requiring the use of city streets, events in parks and some First Amendment activity.

Events conducted entirely on the property of a church, educational institution, college or university campus, or on property containing an occupied residence are exempt. Additionally, events per contracts with the City or at City-owned facilities and at the Texas Motor Speedway are exempt.

Event organizers are required to apply to the City by a date certain in order to obtain approval to have the event placed on the City’s Events Calendar and attend the Pre-Event Committee Meeting — and must provide notice to surrounding property owners. The two committees are in charge of scheduling events, reviewing event plans and applications. The Events Calendar Committee includes City staff and representatives from Sundance Square, Downtown Fort Worth Inc., Cultural District, Fort Worth South, Chambers of Commerce and the Stockyards. The Pre-Event Committee includes City staff and representatives from The T, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and Stakeholders. A designated employee from the City’s Public Events Department will serve as the special events manager to coordinate the process.